Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Killeen, TX
Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Killeen, TX is a 1696 mi cross-country relocation — about 30h 43m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1696 mi · 30h 43m by car · NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jersey City | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Killeen is 19.0% cheaper than Jersey City overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Killeen is 19.0% below Jersey City — $658,269 vs $219,957 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jersey City | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 34.8" |
Killeen runs 11.8°F warmer on the annual average (54.8°F vs 66.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Killeen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.61 |
Median household income in Killeen is 19.0% below Jersey City ($94,813 vs $58,339, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Killeen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,840 | $37,540 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,620 | $26,660 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 14,700 | $81,360 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,820 | $37,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 12,710 | $59,740 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Killeen average 96°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.8°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1696 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Jersey City vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $94,813 in Jersey City — a 38.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Killeen more expensive than Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 19.0% lower than Jersey City (91.132 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Killeen, TX from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 1696 mi and the route typically takes 30h 43m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Jersey City and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 54.8°F in Jersey City (11.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 50.4 in.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Jersey City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $658,269 in Jersey City — a 66.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jersey City.
City profiles: Jersey City, NJ · Killeen, TX.